The first block at the Taiwan power plant provides 1.3 GW of cleaner energy, aiming to replace coal units and reduce emissions while stabilizing the country’s electricity grid.
The first of three blocks at the Hsinta power plant in Taiwan started operation with GE Vernova’s 7HA.03 combined-cycle equipment and is now dispatching up to 1.3 GW of electricity to Taiwan’s energy grid. Taiwan Power Company Nan Bu Construction Organization (TPC NPCO)’s plant is expected to generate 60% fewer emissions than similar facilities using coal or diesel.
“Our latest gas turbine technology, the 7HA.03, is replacing aging coal-fired units with more efficient and flexible gas-fired combined cycle units, marking a significant step in Taiwan’s carbon emission reduction efforts,” said Ramesh Singaram, President and CEO of GE Vernova's Gas Power in Asia. “We are committed to supporting Taiwan’s power development and economic growth, significantly reducing current coal power generation, and achieving up to 50% of the energy mix sourced from natural gas by 2025. TPC evaluated our HA combined cycle equipment as the best technology, balancing power output, efficiency, flexibility, and maintainability.”
The Hsinta power plant will also include two additional blocks that will begin operations in phases between 2025 and 2026. This expansion will boost the plant's total power capacity to nearly 4 GW, providing reliable electricity to Taiwanese households and industries.
“Our Hsinta Power Plant in Kaohsiung is a key facility in Taiwan's energy transition, aligning with Taiwan’s Renewable Energy Development Act (REDA) energy policy, which focuses on moving away from nuclear power and reducing reliance on coal fuels,” said TPC NPCO Director Chiao-Heng Huang. “Our long-standing and trusted relationship with GE Vernova has been instrumental in successfully commissioning the first block, delivering up to 1.3 GW of lower-carbon power to our customers.”
GE Vernova collaborated with CTCI Corp. on the engineering, construction, and commissioning of the first combined-cycle block. Each block features
GE Vernova block-size plant features a modular standard configuration that simplifies installation, control, and maintenance, facilitating faster project execution. Its flexibility allows for quick start-ups and adjustments to energy production. GE Vernova’s 7HA.03 gas turbine can currently burn up to 50% hydrogen by volume when blended with natural gas.
Hsinta Power Plant. Credit: GE Vernova
At the end of June, GE Vernova secured an order for six of its LM2500 XPRESS* aeroderivative gas turbine packages from RG Engineering (RGE) to modernize the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) power plants at Daguao, Jobos, and Yabucoa, which are managed by the private operator Genera PR (Genera).
“These plants will be equipped with new, more efficient generation units as part of a larger project to replace older, less efficient equipment,” said Winnie Irizarry, President and CEO of Genera PR. “This upgrade is part of a broader initiative to modernize Puerto Rico's power grid, focusing on improving generation capacity and reliability. Ultimately, this will enhance electrical availability during high-demand peaks and improve the quality of life for the people of Puerto Rico. With GE Vernova’s aeroderivative solutions, we can deliver electricity quickly and flexibly as requested by the transmission grid operator, helping to stabilize the grid on the island.”
